In 2024, Diwali was recognized for the first time throughout the township and its school district. Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a major Hindu festival, known as the festival of lights. Diwali was celebrated by many within SPF after the recent kick-off of an SPF Diwali festival on Oct. 17, 2024 and SPFK-12’s establishment of the holiday as a day off on Nov. 1.
“I’m very excited [that school is off], because most of the time on Diwali I have had to miss school to go be with my family,” SPFHS junior Lucas Gabriel said.
According to nj.com, Diwali has officially “gone mainstream in America” and SPFHS is one of the many schools in NJ to start recognizing this holiday by closing school. In the past, it’s been hard for students to attend school during Diwali and some have even had to miss it. This year, students and staff were able to look forward to their celebration, knowing that it’s being recognized by the Scotch Plains-Fanwood school districts.
After the Islamic holiday, Eid Al Fitr was added as a holiday in the 2023-2024 school calendar, Diwali became the BOE’s next step.
“I think part of what has moved us to this more representative calendar is certainly because our community has become more diverse and more vocal in what they want,” Superintendent of SPF schools Dr. Joan Mast said.
According to pix11.com, other U.S. states such as Pennsylvania have recently declared Diwali as a state official holiday. While New Jersey does not currently have that legislation passed, the state has recently hosted events that drew thousands of Diwali celebrators, one them being Scotch Plains’ new celebration at the Augustine M. Village Green.
“Many residents expressed to me at [the town’s Diwali] festival how grateful they were that Scotch Plains recognized Diwali [through] this celebration,” Scotch Plains mayor Josh Losardo told The Fanscotian. “Diwali is important to recognize so that residents may celebrate together the rich diversity that makes Scotch Plains home to families from around the world.”
With a turnout of about 300 reservations and a packed, energetic crowd throughout the event’s full three hours, Scotch Plains welcomed those locally who celebrate Diwali and are anticipating to continue doing so in forthcoming years. The event expressed the town’s deep and meaningful care for the South Asian community’s celebration of their cultural holiday.
“The part that made me feel [most] appreciated was when the [Scotch Plains] mayor lit a diya to kick off the event [as] it made me feel excited [and cared for],” SPFHS sophomore Jordin Lazetti said.
Acknowledging Diwali in SPF is another step toward creating a more inclusive community. As Diwali is recognized even further by Scotch Plains-Fanwood, people are able to fully embrace the cultural tradition.
